Ocean City campaign aims for pedestrian safety

Crab the Lifeguard’s a funny looking fellow – a smiling, orange crab who wears a hat and whistle and somehow manages to traverse dry land on a surfboard.

But it’s no joke: Big crowds and busy roads around Ocean City led to two deaths and 13 injuries last year, says Melinda Peters, from the State Highway Administration. “We took a step backward,” Peters says.

Crab is the most visible part of the OC Walk Smart campaign, but he’s not the only measure the authorities have taken: Peters says that signals have been re-timed signals and stenciling certain curbs with “No Pedestrian Crossing.”

She also says there’s going to be “ongoing, aggressive enforcement” on the conduct of drivers and pedestrians from the police.

Even on vacation, Peters says, “There really is no break from the basic rules of the road.”